DWI/DUI Lawyer in Lathrop, MO. A DWI/DUI charge in Lathrop, MO can have life-altering consequences, from hefty fines and potential jail time to a suspended license and long-term damage to your reputation. The legal system is tough on drunk driving cases, which is precisely why you need a skilled Lathrop, MO DWI/DUI lawyer on your side.
At Combs Waterkotte, we have successfully defended 10,000+ cases just like yours in Lathrop and across Missouri. With over 60 years of combined experience as Lathrop, MO DWI/DUI lawyers, we know how to challenge evidence, negotiate reduced charges, and fight for your rights. Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free consultation in Lathrop, MO and take the first step toward protecting your future.
Legal Videos
DWI Stop Advice – Always Have Your Paperwork Ready
DWI/DUI Stop Advice and Tips. Attorneys Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte provide a real-time walkthrough of the proper actions to take—and crucial mistakes to avoid—during a DWI/DUI …
(Making Of) DWI Behind the Scenes Video – Bonus Footage
Before we could shoot our behind-the-scenes video, there was… this. A quick glimpse at the setup, the laughs, and everything that didn’t quite make the final cut. While this is a fun video …
Behind the Scenes of a DWI/DUI Traffic Stop (Step-by-Step Walkthrough)
Missouri criminal defense and DWI attorneys Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte provide a real-time walkthrough of the proper actions to take—and crucial mistakes to avoid—during a DWI/DUI …
What Is the Process of Going to Court for a DWI?
What happens when you go to court for a DWI or DUI charge? Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte outline what to expect when going to court for a DWI or DUI.
Long Term Consequences of a DWI
What are the long-term consequences of a DWI? Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte discuss the potential long-term consequences of a DWI or DUI conviction on your …
What to Do If You Are Pulled Over for DWI in Missouri
What actions should you take if you are pulled over for suspicion of a DWI in Missouri? Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte discuss how to handle the difficult situation of …
DWI Stop Advice – Always Have Your Paperwork Ready
DWI/DUI Stop Advice and Tips. Attorneys Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte provide a real-time walkthrough of the proper actions to take—and crucial mistakes to avoid—during a DWI/DUI …
(Making Of) DWI Behind the Scenes Video – Bonus Footage
Before we could shoot our behind-the-scenes video, there was… this. A quick glimpse at the setup, the laughs, and everything that didn’t quite make the final cut. While this is a fun video …
Behind the Scenes of a DWI/DUI Traffic Stop (Step-by-Step Walkthrough)
Missouri criminal defense and DWI attorneys Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte provide a real-time walkthrough of the proper actions to take—and crucial mistakes to avoid—during a DWI/DUI …
What Is the Process of Going to Court for a DWI?
What happens when you go to court for a DWI or DUI charge? Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte outline what to expect when going to court for a DWI or DUI.
Long Term Consequences of a DWI
What are the long-term consequences of a DWI? Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte discuss the potential long-term consequences of a DWI or DUI conviction on your …
What to Do If You Are Pulled Over for DWI in Missouri
What actions should you take if you are pulled over for suspicion of a DWI in Missouri? Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte discuss how to handle the difficult situation of …
Combs Waterkotte Defends You on Both Fronts of Your Lathrop, MO DWI/DUI
What many Lathrop, MO residents may not know about DWI/DUI cases is that there are two components—a criminal case and a civil case with the Missouri Department of Revenue. The criminal side, which is a class B misdemeanor, could lead to up to 6 months in jail, a fine of up to $500, 8 points on your driving record, required participation in a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP), required purchase of an SR-22, and a 90-day driver’s license suspension.
Few people realize that they have only 15 days from the date of arrest to request a hearing to challenge their license suspension or revocation. If you win, you keep your license. If you lose, you could face a suspension of 30 days to a year or even a 1-year revocation with an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) requirement.
With so much at stake, you need an experienced Lathrop, MO DWI/DUI lawyer to fight for you. Combs Waterkotte has the knowledge and experience to handle both sides of your case. Call us right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
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Protect Your License
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Protect Your License
You have only 15 days to request an administrative hearing. Act quickly to protect your driver’s licenses.
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Know Your Next Steps
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Know Your Next Steps
Wondering what happens after your DWI/DUI arrest? The experienced Combs Waterkotte attorneys have the answers.
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Contact the skilled Combs Waterkotte DWI/DUI lawyers now at (314) 900-HELP to get started on your defense.
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What Should You Do After Being Pulled Over For DWI/DUI in Lathrop, MO?
A routine traffic stop in Lathrop, MO is stressful enough, but if an officer suspects you of DWI/DUI, it can quickly escalate into a serious legal matter. The way you handle the situation can affect your charges, defense options, and even potentially the outcome of your case. The Combs Waterkotte DWI/DUI legal team has handled hundreds of DWI/DUI cases and advises drivers to follow these key steps when pulled over on suspicion of DWI/DUI in Lathrop, MO:
- Pull over safely. As soon as you see flashing lights, slow down and safely move your vehicle to the side of the road or a nearby parking lot. Keep your hands visible, remain calm, and follow the officer’s instructions within reason.
- Remain calm and respectful. A confrontational attitude can work against you. Remain polite and avoid making any sudden movements. The more cooperative and respectful you are in Lathrop, MO, the less likely the officer will escalate the situation.
- Exercise your right to remain silent. Beyond providing basic documents, you have no obligation to answer questions about drinking or even your whereabouts. Simply state that you are choosing to remain silent.
- Do not take a field sobriety test, a breathalyzer, or a blood test. These tests are voluntary before an arrest and are commonly used to justify probable cause. Missouri’s implied consent law applies only after you are formally arrested.
- Document everything. If possible, take mental and written notes about the stop. This information can be valuable in building your defense. This includes:
- The location, time, and reason the officer gave for pulling you over.
- The officer’s behavior and whether they followed proper procedures.
- Any dialogue between you and the officer.
- Contact Combs Waterkotte immediately. Legal guidance from an expert Lathrop, MO DWI/DUI lawyer can make the difference between the best possible outcome and severe penalties. Your conversation with an attorney is completely confidential, and we can help you with the next steps to protect your rights and driving privileges. Call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online now.
Knowing the possible consequences of a DWI/DUI charge is crucial, and a Combs Waterkotte attorney will walk you through them—and more—during a free, confidential case review. DWI/DUI laws can differ between jurisdictions, even within Lathrop, MO, and Johnson County. That’s why it’s important to speak with a DWI/DUI lawyer who understands the specific laws in your area and can provide guidance tailored to your case.
Free book
Don’t “Blow” Your DWI/DUI Case: Key Mistakes to Avoid
Combs Waterkotte, Missouri and Southern Illinois’s leading DWI/DUI law firm, has handled over 10,000 cases successfully. This ebook guides you through the DWI/DUI defense process and helps you avoid key mistakes.
When you partner with a Combs Waterkotte Lathrop, MO DWI/DUI lawyer, you aren’t just choosing a top-rated DWI/DUI lawyer in and around Lathrop, MO – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with experienced DWI/DUI attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Lathrop and beyond:
Why You Need a Lathrop, MO DWI/DUI Lawyer
Many people in Lathrop, MO assume they can handle a DWI/DUI charge without legal help, only to find themselves facing severe consequences. Missouri’s drunk driving laws are tough, and without a knowledgeable attorney, you risk losing your license, paying heavy fines, or even serving jail time. Here’s why hiring a DWI/DUI lawyer in Lathrop, MO is critical:
- An Unparalleled Understanding of the Law in Lathrop, MO — A DWI/DUI attorney knows the legal system inside and out and can expose flaws in the prosecution’s case.
- Protecting Your Driver’s License — With the right representation, you may avoid or reduce a license suspension through an administrative hearing.
- Challenging Evidence — Breathalyzers and field sobriety tests are not accurate. A skilled Lathrop, MO DWI/DUI lawyer can scrutinize the validity of test results and procedural errors by law enforcement.
- Negotiation Skills — A skilled Lathrop, MO DWI/DUI lawyer can negotiate for reduces penalties, alternative sentencing, or even dismissal of charges.
Looking for a Lathrop, MO DWI/DUI Lawyer? Reach Out to Combs Waterkotte Today
A DWI/DUI charge in Lathrop, MO is a serious matter—don’t risk your future by facing it alone. The sooner you hire a skilled Lathrop, MO DWI/DUI lawyer, the stronger your defense will be.
The Combs Waterkote Lathrop, MO DWI/DUI legal team has successfully handled numerous charges and will aggressively advocate on your behalf. Give us a call as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free case evaluation in Lathrop, MO.
